The Best Porsche Panamera Model Years

Why It's On The List

The first Panamera facelift happened in 2013, for the 2014 model year. By this time, the car had been on the market for a few years, and Porsche had learnt a few lessons on improving the car's performance and aesthetics.

Among other things, the Panamera gained a more aggressive look with redesigned front and rear fascias, including new headlights, taillights and bumpers. A flatter rear window was introduced to improve visibility and reduce the car's 'hunchback' appearance.

There was also a new engine - a more efficient 3.0-litre V6 Biturbo that replaced the 4.8-litre V8 for the Panamera S and 4S models. Our pick would be the Panamera 4S. The model comes with all-wheel-drive as standard. There's also a horsepower bump over the base model. The 'S' designation implies a more sporty character and an engaging driving experience.

Why It's On The List

The 2025 Panamera keeps up the sedan's legacy of seamlessly combining sporty performance with luxury in a 4-door body style. There are potent turbo-charged V6 and V8 engines on offer. Porsche is also bringing hybrid models, specifically the 4 and 4S E-Hybrids, back into the fold. They join a lineup that includes the base model, Turbo E-Hybrids and a GTS model.

The sedan is not cheap, requiring a six-figure outlay for even the base trim. However, what you get is a top-of-the-line sports sedan with class-leading performance and features.

The 4S E-Hybrid is particularly tempting, pairing sporty performance with the extra boost and efficiency from the electric-motor pairing. The 21.8-kWh battery is an upgrade from the 14.3-kWh one in the previous model - an increase achieved with better cell chemistry rather than just adding extra cells.

Porsche's long list of options allows the owner to customize the Panamera extensively according to personal tastes - as long as you are not too sensitive about the price.

Why It's On The List

The 2018 Panamera was the second model year in the second generation of Porsche's luxury sports sedan, featuring design tweaks and upgraded technology.

The basic shape remained the same, but Porsche made serious attempts to refine the design, resulting in a sleeker overall profile. A sleek touchscreen replaced the button-heavy layout of the first-generation models, modernizing the interior. The seating and general layout maintain Porsche's trademark premium quality feel.

The 2018 Panamera is widely regarded as one of the best model years to purchase. The car boasts a quality and reliability score of 81 out of 100 from the popular review site JD Power. The score is indicative of fewer issues, defects or recalls with the Panamera model year.

In 2017, the Panamera got a new wagon body style called the Sport Turismo. It was made available for a few Panamera variants for the 2018 model year, including the 4S, and that's the one we would opt for because it is more practical and, frankly, looks way more aesthetically pleasing than the sedan.

Why It's On The List

The 2025 Panamera may be out, but there are still compelling reasons to spring for the 2024 model. The Panamera was redesigned for 2024 with a refreshed styling, upgraded tech and revised V6 powertrain for even more performance.

The interior space has been further elevated with premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and ergonomic enhancements - all the necessary ingredients for a luxurious and comfortable ride.

There were four different hybrid powertrains for the 2024 Panamera, offering more power, greater range and improved efficiency.

The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is one of the most potent, with about 670 hp on tap, infusing a higher level of sportiness into the luxury sedan. That power is enough to get the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid to 60 mph in 3 seconds and on to a top track speed of 195 mph.

Again, for the newer Panamera models, it's hard to go wrong as long as price is not a primary consideration and the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is well worthy of a splurge.

Why It's On The List

By 2013, the Panamera had become quite popular, with as many as nine variants on the market. Its design remained polarizing, but the Panamera had established a positive reputation for its exceptional performance and premium build quality.

In 2013, the Panamera GTS joined the lineup, slotting between the S and Turbo models. It offered a thrilling driving experience with 430 horsepower. Engineered for enthusiasts, it had a sportier suspension, torque-vectoring rear axle, Turbo-grade brakes, and the Sport Chrono package. Distinctive exterior elements include quad exhaust pipes and darkened headlights.

Today, springing for a 2013 Panamera GTS could be a relatively affordable way for the budget-conscious buyer to experience the Panamera's edgier handling. However, even the base model, with rear-wheel drive and 300 horses under the hood, is still capable of a rewarding driving experience.

The 2013 Panamera also has a 4.8 consumer rating on KBB, added confirmation it is one of the Panamera's best model years.

Why It's On The List

There were only minimal changes for the 2021 model year. The SportDesign fascia, which was optional in the previous model, was integrated into the design as a standard addition. Also, the rear end sports a full-width LED strip and a new diffuser between the dual exhaust tips for a sportier look.

The interior features a redesigned steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters, while the chassis has been tweaked to enhance ride comfort and handling precision.

The 2021 Panamera is highly rated on popular websites like KBB and Edmunds, with praise especially reserved for the car's performance, overall quality and driving experience.

There's plenty of power spread through the lineup. Even the base model churns out 325 hp. On the other hand of the spectrum, there's the Turbo S E-Hybrid with 689 hp. The Panamera 4S is not as pricey as the range topping trims and strikes an ideal balance between value and performance.